Cyber Monday

Hi Friends!  I'm here! I'm here!! :)

For the first time ever, Close to My Heart is offering a Cyber Monday sale.  CTMH just released this Cyber surprise to consultants this weekend!

Tomorrow, December 1st, all of Close to My Heart's exclusive Cricut Collections will be 20% off the retail price!  That's only $79.20!  Our four Cricut collections make the perfect addition to any crafters craft room whether you love scrapbooking, cardmaking or creating 3D projects.

Each of our Cricut Collections comes with the cartridge (PACKED full of images, projects and an alphabet), 3 D-sized stamp sets and Dimensional Elements or Cardstock (depending on the collection).

This sale starts at midnight on December 1 and ends at 11:59 pm on Monday night. Spread the news to your family and friends... print this off and set it in the perfect place for Santa to see - make his job a little easier! :)

Act fast, swing on over to my online shop and take advantage of the Cyber Deal today!  Email, call or text if you have any questions!

Sunday Paper: It's Tradition

This is one of my most favorite family projects ever.  During the month of November we take time as a family to talk about what we are thankful for, daily.  We usually have this conversation during supper and then we each take our turn recording what we are grateful for in words or drawings.

 

The beginning of the month, each year, seems to be similar - the biggest influences in our lives are identified first.  The days of November are some of my favorites because as a family we take the time to identify all that we are thankful for from the ordinary things of everyday life, the littlest things that leave impressions on us to moments that help us to learn life lessons.  This family projects encourages us to see all that is good in our life and remind us how blessed we are. 

There are no right or wrong things to be thankful for, no rules to our collection of gratitude.  If you are grateful for something, record it.  When the kiddos are too little to write we trace their hand and then brainstorm as a family things in their daily life they would maybe identify as being thankful for.  Their tiny handprints on our poster is one of my favorite things.  I usually write a little note or quote the kids' words under their drawings when they are old enough to make pictures and draw.  I love words that are misspelled and other things that show their age/development.  It's so fun to hear all the ideas our kids come up with on a daily basis!  It's also interesting to hear their answer when asked, "Why are you thankful for ____?"

Every member of our family participates!

Our Thankful Poster sits in our kitchen all month long.  Sometimes I just walk by, pause and reread all that is written and smile because when you take a second to look around this life is pretty darn awesome!  Of course, I keep each years artwork to look back on - I LOVE looking back and am so thankful for our families recorded memories! 

Maybe your family does something similar?  I'd love to hear how your family focuses on the blessings in your life!  If you're looking for something, give this a try - you won't regret it!  

And the winner is...

Hats off to a fun 6 months!  During the month of October you all had the opportunity to earn tickets for the "Thank You" drawing.  The winner gets a bag of CTMH goodies.  Papers, stamps and Exclusive Ink the bag is ready to be given away!!

There were 41 tickets!  Drum roll please...

And the winner is... 

Stephanie Becken!  We'll be in touch and I will deliver your bag o'fun soon!

Thank you to all of you, near and far, that are enjoying this fun crafty journey with me so far.  I'm ready for more!  How about you??

Studio J

CTMH's Online Design Software is called Studio J.  November is the 5 Year Anniversary of this program and its all the hype this month!

Did you know that you can set up an account and create until your heart is content at absolutely no cost?!  It's FREE, completely free, to check out and play around with!  You can start with an "express collection" which is really a template already designed for you to slip your photos onto or you can "Create Your Own Custom Layout".

Studio J is like an additional Idea Book for you!  Even if you create an account, play around a bit and decide this program isn't really for you you haven't lost anything but have instead gained a little inspiration.  Win!  It's full of layout ideas and if you're using a CTMH paper pack you can choose that paper when you do a custom layout and move it around before you slice and dice your own paper.  There are over 100 paper packs to use. It will actually even give you 3 different options of a layout with the paper of your choice.  Neat, huh?

Play around with the kits as a starting point or for inspiration!

I like the way this video walks through creating a layout from start to finish in Studio J!  It is just one of many videos produced by CTMH Corp on how to use and create different projects using Studio J.

What are you waiting for?? You really should check out Studio J for yourself! For real. It's pretty cool. :)

Once you get into Studio J and you find yourself hooked, remember, November has five ways to win big with Studio J!

5 Ways to Win Big in November:
1) Studio J layouts are available for only $5 throughout the month of November.  You got it, layouts all month for $5 which is a savings of more than 25%.

2) Your second chance to win must come by sheer luck:  every fifth order placed in Studio J during November receives a FREE surprise CTMH accessory in its shipping box that has a retail value of $5 or more.  Be a multiple of 5, that's what I'm reading - I'm a math teacher remember!

3)  If luck doesn't smile on your in that way, you might stumble upon it by finding a little extra something in your Studio J box.  Five "golden tickets" will be sent out during the month of November with randomly selected Studio J print orders!  This "golden ticket" is redeemable for one of Close to My Heart's new D-ring albums loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors.  The "golden tickets" are not made of gold - but they are as good as gold!

"I've got a golden ticket! I've got a golden ticket!"  C'mon Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?!? Well, here's your chance!!!  How fun would that be to open up?? Ahhhh!!!!

4) For a fourth way to win, simply create new, gorgeous layouts in Studio J, select your favorites, and then post pictures of them on Close to My Heart's Facebook page using the hashtag #ctmhlucky5.  At the end of the month, five lucky winners will be selected from the entries based on their artistry and creativity and each of these winners will receive their own D-ring album loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors!

The last way to win is to take your new Studio J artwork and post a picture of it on Instagram using the hashtag #ctmhlucky5.  Just as it is with Facebook, after November 30, five lucky winners will be selected from the entries to receive their own D-ring album loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors!

And to make things even more exciting, starting November 1, five brand new kits from the Annual Inspirations idea book will be made available in Studio J, so you can create new artwork using the latest papers and embellishments from Close To My Heart.  With so many ways to win, five may be your new lucky number!

*Offer valid November 1–30, 2014. Pattern and color of new D-ring album to be given to winners will be at Close To My Heart’s discretion based upon availability. New kits available in Studio J^® on November 1 include Confetti Wishes, Snowhaven, Seaside, Pathfinding, and Scaredy Cat. No tax or shipping will be charged on the free item(s). Studio J layouts ship in a protected box that can hold 4 to 50 two-page layouts. 

Log in to Studio J and start creating today!  You have the whole month of November to play and score some good deals!

Happy Crafting! 

Sunday Paper: Toolin' Around

"Does everybody know what time it is?  TOOL TIME!"  Name that TV Show...  :)

Who doesn't love a good boarder punch?  They can add just the right finishing touch to any number of projects.  One of my favorite paper crafting tools I've been using lately is my Triangle Boarder Punch from Close to My Heart.

I have several different boarder punches but truth be told this is my first CTMH boarder punch.  I have used this boarder punch on my own a bit in the last month and have also had several different crafters use it at two different workshops.  Hands down it got rave reviews. 

Three things I really love about this boarder punch:

• This boarder punch has little grippies on the bottom making it non-slip.  
• Some punches require you to have muscles bigger than Superman to use and fingers smaller than a fairy to dig out the paper that gets stuck on in the inside.  This, my friends, is not the case with this punch! Yay!
• I saved the BEST for last! Check out the bottom of this gem!  It has a storage container for all the little, itty bitty scrap pieces!  I LOVE this!  Clean up has never been easier.  The pieces are tucked away until I open it up to either use the little triangles on a project or discard them.  Either way they are not all over the place!

Bottom of what all CTMH Boarder Punches looks like.
A nice little storage compartment that collects scraps and opens easily!

Here's how I've been playing with paper and  new boarder punch.

I used the triangle boarder punch to create a boarder with
glitter paper peeking through on the bottom of this card. 

The triangle boarder punch was used to create a frame on this card.

CTMH has three boarder punches: triangle, chevron and scallop.  Next on my list: chevron.  You can find these and other fun tools and gadgets on my online site. 

Happy Crafting!

Hello, Novem{brrr}!

Hello, hello!   Happy November 1st!  It's definitely hat and mittens weather - so I bought a new vest.  I'm not ready for the winter jacket yet! :)

Happy, belated, Halloween!  I hope you all enjoyed the night.  We went trick-or-treating with our lil'fellas and it was a chilly one!  The boys stayed toasty warm as they ran from house to house.  The kids had so much fun!  They love being dressed up and seeing all the other costumes.  The dogs in costume walking around with their families usually get the best giggles out of the boys.

November blows in with new Close to My Heart specials as well as some new product!  Just when we thought we would be waiting until December for all new product with the launch of Seasonal Expressions CTMH snuck a few new goodies out first! These new products are with us for the long haul, which is why they aren't part of the December launch.

So, here we go... Hold on to your seats! Or maybe I should say, "Take a seat and stay awhile!" :)

Stamp of the Month: It's the Little Things

This stamp set is sure to warm up your blustery fall days!  I love the sweet sentiments that are included with this set.  The flowers are sweet and simple to be used alone or (check out the artwork below) you can fussy cut the images and layer and embellish until your hearts content.  This stamp set is only $5 with any $50 purchase this month! 

Cute stuff, eh?

Studio J Anniversary Sale!

Studio J is Close to My Heart's online digital scrapbooking program.  November marks the five-year anniversary of Studio J and that means it's your lucky month!  There are five amazing ways to win big through Studio J and Close to My Heart social media this month!

See that lagoon chevron album in the background??? mmmm-nummy-nummy!  SQUIRREL!  Focus people!!  hehehe... More on that later...

5 Ways to Win Big in November:

1) Studio J layouts are available for only $5 throughout the month of November.  You got it, layouts all month for $5 which is a savings of more than 25%.

2) Your second chance to win must come by sheer luck:  every fifth order placed in Studio J during November receives a FREE surprise CTMH accessory in its shipping box that has a retail value of $5 or more.  Be a multiple of 5, that's what I'm reading - I'm a math teacher remember!

3)  If luck doesn't smile on your in that way, you might stumble upon it by finding a little extra something in your Studio J box.  Five "golden tickets" will be sent out during the month of November with randomly selected Studio J print orders!  This "golden ticket" is redeemable for one of Close to My Heart's new D-ring albums loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors.  The "golden tickets" are not made of gold - but they are as good as gold! 

"I've got a golden ticket! I've got a golden ticket!"  C'mon Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?!? Well, here's your chance!!!  How fun would that be to open up?? Ahhhh!!!!

4) For a fourth way to win, simply create new, gorgeous layouts in Studio J, select your favorites, and then post pictures of them on Close to My Heart's Facebook page using the hashtag #ctmhlucky5.  At the end of the month, five lucky winners will be selected from the entries based on their artistry and creativity and each of these winners will receive their own D-ring album loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors!

The last way to win is to take your new Studio J artwork and post a picture of it on Instagram using the hashtag #ctmhlucky5.  Just as it is with Facebook, after November 30, five lucky winners will be selected from the entries to receive their own D-ring album loaded with 10 Top Load Memory Protectors!

And to make things even more exciting, starting November 1, five brand new kits from the Annual Inspirations idea book will be made available in Studio J, so you can create new artwork using the latest papers and embellishments from Close To My Heart.  With so many ways to win, five may be your new lucky number!  Log in to Studio J and start creating today!!

Who's feeling lucky?? You have the whole month of November to play!!  

*Offer valid November 1–30, 2014. Pattern and color of new D-ring album to be given to winners will be at Close To My Heart’s discretion based upon availability. New kits available in Studio J^® on November 1 include Confetti Wishes, Snowhaven, Seaside, Pathfinding, and Scaredy Cat. No tax or shipping will be charged on the free item(s). Studio J layouts ship in a protected box that can hold 4 to 50 two-page layouts. 

NEW Products!!

HORRAY!!  Picture My Life kits are now available a la carte style!  As of today, November 1st, you can purchase just the pack of 4x6 and 3x4 cards (total of 122 cards) without having to get the page protectors and cover page, too!  This new option is only $14.95!  

CTMH currently has 13 fabulous designer packs to choose from.  All of the Picture My Life kits and cards can be found on my online shopping site and on pages 146-149 of Annual Inspirations.   At the moment, my favorite PML packs are "For Always" and "Babycakes".  They both take you by surprise.  "For Always" is SO versatile, really it can be used for just about anything.  "Babycakes" is definitely designed with the littlest people in our lives in mind but it, too, has cards that are multi-functional and can be used easily in non-baby ways!

Picture My Life: For Always

Picture My Life: Babycakes

The new CTMH Post Bound and D-ring have been approved and we have been assured they will be available this month!  These brand new albums are gorgeous!  They are available in 3 new designs: Lagoon Chevron, Ruby Floral and Black.  They are all canvas covered, 1 1/2inch non-expandable, durable albums that are sure to excite any memory keeper's style!  There is not an official availability date yet but, as always, I'll let you know when I know!

Dear Crafter On-the-Go, things just got WAY cute! Time to get organized in style! CTMH is releasing a brand-new rolling tote and matching shoulder bag for all your organizational needs!  I'm giddy with anticipation!!  Made of highly durable material the rolling tote is designed to store the CTMH Organizers in the center, 12x12 products in the front pocket and other tools and products in the side pockets!  

The shoulder bag is the perfect companion to the new rolling tote!  It is made from the same durable material.  It is big enough to carry your 12x12 projects, kits and books with additional space for your embellishments, tools and more!  Both the rolling tote and the shoulder tote will be available mid-November, at the same time, stay tuned!

Close to My Heart Clearance!

Who stops by the "While Supplies Last" page on my shopping site?  I DO!  I check that out frequently.  You should too!  These clearance items only hang around as long as they last and this page was just updated this morning with a whole lot of items (and already items are gonzo)!  You will find: paper packs, embellishments, ink pads, cards/envelopes and much more.  Snag 'em while you can!

Upcoming Workshops & Events:

Tuesday, November 11th, 6pm-9pm: Layout Workshop

You will make 3 two-page layouts at this workshop for only $15.  Please bring a paper trimmer, scissors, tape runner and pop dots/foam tape with you.  RSVP by Tuesday, November 4th for this workshop!  

Wednesday, November 19th, 6pm-9pm: Seasonal Expressions Preview Party!

The Seasonal Expressions Idea Book is set to launch on December 1st to the public!  Come on over on November 19th to get your first look at the new book before it goes live.  This new supplemental book has 40 pages packed with new paper packs, embellishments, stamps and more.  This event is FREE.  I will have new product and artwork to show as well as a FREE make-n-take featuring new product from Seasonal Expressions!  

In addition to the preview party, this same night, if you are interested in the Holiday Happenings Mini-Album Workshop there will be space for you to get your album ready for December!  We will use the My Crush Holiday Happenings Book as the base for this project.  You will need to order this or let me know that you'd like me to order if for you by November 5th to be sure it arrives in time.  For only $5 you will personalize the front cover of your album, add a few mini-pages for the inside, create holiday tags to add to your album as you add photos and receive a flip-flap to adhere to the back of your album to use to keep your mementoes that don't fit on a page safe.  

This album could be used in many ways: December Daily, Holiday Traditions, Holiday Recipe Keeper, Advent Celebrations, Gift Giving, etc.  However you decide to use your album I would also suggest the following products as the perfect embellishments and tools to have on hand as you create your album: Holiday Happenings Badge Buttons, Holiday Happenings Assortment,  Topiary Striped Washi Tape, Ruby Chevron Washi Tape, Gold Polka-Dot Washi Tape.    

Please RSVP by Wednesday, November 12th for this PaRtY! 

Saturday, December 6th, 9am-midnight: Crop & Craft 

Please RSVP by Saturday, November 29th for this event. 

Holy smokes! I hope you grabbed a comfy chair while you were reading! That's all the CTMH deals and news so far this month folks.  Stay tuned for availability dates on the albums, the rolling tote and shoulder bag.  

I sure hope I get to hang with you at one of my upcoming events!! Let me know which ones! :)

Happy Crafting!